CRACK3D-L3NS

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I purchased my Garmin Forerunner 10 (FR10) about 2 years ago. I've used extensively for the first year and sparingly the few years after. Since its waterproof, I've also used it to time my swim laps in a pool. This is a very capable little watch and I love using it as a day-to-day watch.

Recently, my FR10 started to restart mid run while on GPS. I thought it was just some random glitch. So I did the hard reset and it was back to factory setting. This time, even though the battery indicates its full it would constantly reboot on itself. I tried software updates and more factory reset. Still the same results. I came to conclude that my battery was not holding a charge anymore. I searched online for replacing battery in a FR10 but it was not user replaceable, so they say.

Since I live in the Philippines (Cagayan de Oro City), by the way I bought the watch in the US, it would not be cost effective to have it sent to the US just to get the batteries replaced. I sourced locally and the local watch repair shops would not service or even open the watch. :(

Maybe you are here because of the same problem. But before you do this, understand that this will void your warranty and it is in your own risk for doing this and it may damage your device.

So lets get it on...

Before you open your device you should have bought the replacement batteries first.

1. Unscrew all the 4 screws at the back of your watch. Unscrew opposite corners. While unscrewing, push firmly with your fingers the back panel.

2. After the last screw is undone, gently release your fingers. The back panel will pop out as there are springs attached to the charging terminal. Gently lift the back panel, leaving the watch upside down. Don't turn over the watch as some small springs (2 pcs) are easily detached and can be lost.

3. Secure the small springs. I did this by making use of a scotch tape to stick them over. 4. Once secured, set aside the back panel and turn over (right side up) the watch to remove the watch assembly. The battery is beneath the gold plating and you need to pry the 8 latches.5. Do latches 1-6 (red) to remove the green PCB & screen and then latches 7-8 (blue) to remove the black battery housing

6. Partially remove the sticky tape attached to the negative side of the button cell battery.

7. All you need to do is replace your old battery with the new one.8. Assemble the watch doing the steps in reverse

The LIR2032 worked for me it is a Lithium Ion Rechargeable available on ebay for $3.25 w/ free shipping

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Joe

7/29/2017 04:24:53 pm

How long will your Forerunner 10 stay charged (on a run / gps enabled). Thanks.

Cracked_L3ns

2/23/2016 09:38:58 pm

@dawada - You can purchase them online, amazon would be a nice place to start. You can see the specs above or try one of the suggestions by @Giulio

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davide

2/29/2016 11:58:56 am

Hi thanks for this article. Unfortunatly I am not able to find this battery online! I searched in ebay,aliexpress,amazon... Can you provide a link?

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darkKnight726

3/11/2016 09:36:12 am

I didn't change my battery, but I've got an issue on re-assembly. Buttons don't respond and it won't turn on. When plugged in, I get the garmin triangle and the battery charging icon. Computer will also recognize it, but once removed from the charger. It's totally dead and unresponsive. Any ideas?

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Diego

4/3/2016 12:26:16 pm

same thing happened to me... did you figure out how to fix it ??? thanks

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Crack3d_l3ns

5/2/2016 08:13:24 pm

did you check the battery is oriented correctly?

martin

1/26/2017 08:12:28 am

same thing happened to me, didn't take the battery out of the case so must be right way up

Awesome work bro! I'm surprised that Garmin decided to use a coin cell replaceable battery instead of a custom made Li-Ion battery pack. Looks like it's pretty easy to replace (for an engineer :P).

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Freddy Garcia

4/11/2016 08:08:20 pm

What happen if i lost a one of 2 little springs?

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Crack3d_l3ns

5/2/2016 08:23:54 pm

I think the springs are connector of sorts. transfers power from the battery to other watch component, so probably your watch will not power on with battery or hold a charge. just my two cents.

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Jonathan

12/2/2016 08:33:59 am

I have two watches i was repairing. One was missing a spring. The one would not work even though i changed the battery the other one worked fine with the replacement battery. I found even with only one spring it still worked fine. So, I would say the spring shouldn't really matter. If it doesn't perform well on my runs i'll try adding the second spring that is supposed to be in there but right now it doesn't seem to matter.

Brad S

5/2/2016 01:39:22 pm

My forerunner10 just went out and I'm thinking it's the battery. Has anyone tried using a ML2023? And did this effect the battery life due to the decreased mAH?
Cheers,
Brad

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Crack3d_l3ns

5/2/2016 08:27:08 pm

http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/mAH-of-a-battery.php

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Diego

5/4/2016 12:23:31 pm

a 2023 battery may work, same happened this to my watch, for a long time did not work, finally one day, connected it to the craddle and it back to life....try to make a hard reset

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Jonathan

12/2/2016 08:36:58 am

It must be a Lithium Ion Rechargeable battery so it will recharge on the base. The LIR2032 will work (Available on ebay for $3.25 w/ free shipping). If you use any other 2032 battery it will die after a short time and will not recharge.

Crack3d_l3ns

5/2/2016 08:10:49 pm

Hey Guys, for those who have replaced the batteries, how is your FR10?

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Lisa

6/7/2016 11:41:41 am

I replaced mine last Friday with a Sony CR2032. Your instructions worked perfectly, and I changed the battery out without a hitch. However, while it works okay when it's plugged in, as soon as I unplug it it says "battery low" and immediately turns off. I'm going to buy the actual Route JD PD2048 battery (infinitely more expensive since I have to get it shipped to the States, then to me in another country). I'll update you if it works! :(

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Tim

6/26/2016 01:22:58 am

Hi Lisa, Have you replaced the rechargeable battery with a regular CR2032? If you have it will not work, the CR2032 is a non-rechargeable 3v lithium battery.

paul

8/7/2016 06:06:31 am

my forerunner 10 uses a pd2032, think a 2048 is a bit too thick. 20 is 20mm dia, 32 is 3.2mm thick. if a 2048 does fit let me know. Try this for a pd2032..
http://www.thebatterystore.com/powerdisc37v75mahli-ionrechargeablecoincell.aspx

Mandy

11/3/2016 11:58:05 am

I have a garmin forerunner 10. I purchased the PD2048 before opening the watch. Unfortunately the PD2048 is too thick, just as Paul stated above. The PD2048 measures 4.8mm thick. The battery in my watch measures 3.4mm thick.

Jonathan

12/2/2016 08:39:18 am

The LIR2032 worked for me it is a Lithium Ion Rechargeable all other 2032 batteries i have seen are not rechargeable

Jon

7/30/2017 10:12:33 am

Thanks for these very clear and simple instructions. My forerunner 10 is now working perfectly all for the price of a generic LIR 2032 battery. Beats buying a new watch!

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Joe

7/30/2017 10:33:23 am

Jon, how long will the new battery last on a charge? Thanks!

Thomas Allan

8/11/2016 10:59:00 pm

Can anyone please confirm if a 2032 or a 2048 is the correct fit? I just picked up a secondhand FR10, with a battery issue and will change the cell. Easiest and cheapest battery for me to find is ML2032, but don't want to buy if the 2048 size is better. I havn't got the watch yet, so cant measure existing cell.

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Kyle Stokes

8/12/2016 03:32:26 pm

Bought the PD2048. It is too thick, wont fit. Just bought the PD2032 and awaiting its delivery.

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Thomas Allan

8/12/2016 07:26:36 pm

Great, thanks for the info. While the MaH rating is less, i think ill be able to get my hands on a ML2032 easier, so will try that soon. Cheers, hope it works for you.

me

9/21/2016 03:55:45 am

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Kostas

8/28/2016 01:02:32 pm

Can you put the same specs like diameter volts etc. But a more advanced with more miliamperes to last longer?can anyone suggest a battery like that? For example 400 mah

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Enrique Gonzalez

9/6/2016 11:58:00 am

Glad I found this post.
So, I'm confused... are different models of battery at the forerunner 10/15? I read the post mentions 2048, but then at the comments I read their watch actually has a 2032, so I guess I'd need to check mine first to understand which one would fit. Am I right?

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Craig

9/16/2016 08:45:05 am

HEY FOLKS!!!!!! DO NOT put in a CR2032 battery in this watch!!!! That is NOT a rechargeable battery. You need to use a rechargeable version which is typically called a LIR2032 (Lithium Ion Rechargable). Just google them. They can be purchased online very easily. I buy them on eBay.

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Andrea

9/25/2016 08:25:33 am

I bought the forerunner 15 because the battery in my forerunner 10 was not performing as it had when I first got it. Less than 8 months later the battery in the 15 had the same issues!!!!! Wouldn't even last a 2.5 hour run!! I'm so happy I found this, heading out to get a new battery now!

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Kyriekits

11/28/2016 11:20:35 pm

Same as mine, I had hard time with customer service I sent my FR15 to them 2 times and still came back with the same issue. It was with warranty but they did not fix it. thanks I found this post. unfortunately my straps deteriorated and started crumbling like crackers. hard to find replacement straps for FR 15. let me know if you know some suppliers

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Sam

9/29/2016 06:20:34 am

My battery replacement seemed to work fine using a LIR2032. The watch charges and is recognized by my computer, however, all the buttons are unresponsive. Did anyone figure this issue out?

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Sam

9/30/2016 04:33:59 am

Figured it out. The wide tab of the gold plate was not properly tucked under the plastic and in touch with the contact on the circuit board. All working again now.

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Steve

9/30/2016 05:36:24 am

Hi Sam, how long does the FR10 can last with the new LIR2032? Its mAH may not meet the requirement of FR10.

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Sam

9/30/2016 05:39:47 am

HI Steve, Once I've done a full discharge and recharge cycle I'll monitor it and update here...

Sam

12/2/2016 08:44:22 am

So, I didn't have much luck with the LIR2032. Sometimes the charge would last an hour and other times it would last 20 minutes. Also, the battery display would never reach full once charging had 'finished' - only 3/4 full. I can only think it's due to the battery being 3.6v?

Jeff

7/30/2017 07:42:17 pm

My buttons don't work. What "wide tab of the gold plate" did you have to tuck under the plastic? What plastic? Can you show me a picture?

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Enrique Gonzalez

9/30/2016 12:22:28 pm

I just ordered a LIR2032 with the specs, once I receive and check, I will get back to you.

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Ben

11/16/2016 03:22:56 pm

PD2048 is definitely too thick. The suggestion to use LIR2032 should be bumped to the top! Or OP should update the article. ;-)

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Ben

11/16/2016 03:28:50 pm

Also, the LIR2032 is about half the price of the other.

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Jonathan

11/19/2016 09:24:58 pm

My Garmin Forreunner 10 says PD2032... looks like its a 3.7v... the LIR2032 i found online state that they are only 3.6v... not sure if thats going to effect anything. Anyways... i found a source for the 3.7v PD2032 (which are Lithium Ion Rechargeable)... once I get them in the mail I'll let you know how it goes... i have two Forerunners to replace batteries in.

Jonathan

12/2/2016 08:43:40 am

So got the replacement batteries in the mail. They were supposed to be 3.7v PD2032, instead they sent me 3.6v LIR2032. After a little research the difference in 3.6v and 3.7v looks like it doesn't matter. I replaced the batteries in both watches. One of the watches worked perfect the other is still doesn't work so i think that watch has a problem somewhere else in the board or connectors, I'll just save that one as a parts watch for further repairs.

Nikki

11/20/2016 09:32:27 pm

Thanks! Awaiting your update! My battery is shorting out and won't even last a 40 minute run. Not sure whether to go with the 3.6v which is a quarter of the price, or the 3.7v lir which I have found for about $12.

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Kyriekits

11/28/2016 11:49:34 pm

Does the FR15 have the same battery with the FR10? min last only less a day. It was with warranty and had it sent twice but came back from them with the same issue. I hope this has the same battery with the FR1O . Has anyone have any feedback on the LIR2032 (Lithium Ion Rechargable). ? how many hours does it work ?

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Jonathan

12/2/2016 08:45:37 am

If anyone has any old Garmin watches they are done fooling with I would be interested in them for parts... not looking to pay much since I'm just going to try to get another one working and learn a little more about them.

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Cesar

12/22/2016 08:32:50 am

- ATTENTION, The LIR2032 battery has a much smaller capacity than the original one and this only lasts a little more than an hour (tested several times).
If you can get the original PB2032 better, but it is not worth the time and the money.

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Jin

12/28/2016 08:15:56 pm

Thanks for your help.

I use garmin forerunner 15 now. The problem is its battery time is too short.(about 4 hours) so, when I run a marathons, it turns off. so, I try to find pd2048 <- 120mah, but there isn't any stock... Now only choice is pd2032. fortunately, i found it from internet. my question is that its battery capacity is 75mah, so is it enough?? I mean... it last over 5hours?

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TD

1/4/2017 08:23:19 am

Can someone please spell out clearly and simply what battery I should buy off of ebay for a Forerunner 15? Thanks.

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franky

1/15/2017 09:21:37 am

I would also like to know for the Forerunner 15. Thanks

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Aurelio

1/29/2017 05:38:16 am

I heard the 2048 would be a little too big for the FR10 casing. Was it really the one you used on this tutorial? I only managed to get the 2048 here in Brazil. No way I can find the 2032. Thanks!

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CHAIBB

1/30/2017 05:59:50 am

DEAR ALL,
I RELACED MY FR10 BATTERY BY 3.7V ML2032, IT'S JUST FIT. BUT NEW BATTERY WON'T LAST LONG. JUST ABOUT 1.5 HOURS RUN WOULD AUTO RESET. MAYBE IT WAS THE ML2032'S BAD QUALITY.

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Felix

3/25/2017 10:18:41 am

Just did this with a 3.6V LIR2032 since the one on this post was not available. http://www.batteryspace.com/li-ion-rechargeable-2032-button-cells-lr2032-3-6v-40mah-20d-x-3-2mm-0-14wh-0-012---un-38-3-passed.aspx
It was $1.80, so we'll see how long it holds the charge, but so far so good!

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Richard

4/3/2017 11:42:28 am

Did anyone find a replacement for PD2048 that lasts almost as long?

Still can't source one even from overseas (apart form USA)

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Yo

4/10/2017 05:06:16 pm

Cuándo hace buen tiempo, me gusta correr con un reloj.

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Jennifer

4/21/2017 05:03:10 pm

This worked for my Forerunner 10 - thanks for the tutorial!
In case anyone is wondering, I replaced the Garmin battery with a Powerizer CR2032 3.6V Rechargeable Lithium Ion Coin Cell Battery. Happy running! :)

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Jenny

5/12/2017 03:53:01 am

Hi, Jennifer - how old is your Garmin Forerunner 10 (2) please? Mine is about 3 years old (apple green colour).Having battery issues after a lengthy spell in the drawer due to a broken hip. It charges,appears to be full, records part of the run then conks out! Just wondering if I should go with the same battery that you used. Anyone else out there replaced a battery in a Garmin of this age/model? Cheers!

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Michael

4/30/2017 02:14:37 am

replaced the battery no problem but now i have no sound at all! no tones or alerts, tried turning the tones on and off in the settings, done a hard reset, took the watch apart and back together multiple times but still no sound. Anyone has this issue previously? Something to do with motherboard connection to speakers?

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Joe

7/29/2017 04:07:58 pm

Did you reinsert both of the tiny springs (that fall out)? Someone else online said that if one of the springs was missing, they would lose sound.

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Marcelo

6/6/2017 09:45:04 am

Impossible to buy the LIR2032 battery at my city (Porto Alegre).
Não existe bateria recarregável LIR2032 em Porto Alegre. I think I'll have to import.
If someone from Porto alegre knows where to buy it locally, please comment here!

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Marta

7/14/2017 10:44:02 am

This thread and blog post was an excellent resource and I was successful in replacing my Garmin Forerunner 10 battery. I, like some posters, too noticed diminishing battery life (with GPS on). My watch is 5 years old and otherwise works great. Like a previous poster recommended, I ordered a replacement battery PD2032C1 for $20 ($33.24 with shipping) through thebatterystore.com . My only advice is to use tweezers for the fine motor tasks like picking up coils, unsticking the tape, removing screws,and clasping/unclasping the metal latches. As soon as I replaced my battery, it was fully charge in 3-4 hours. I ran 4 miles this morning and the charge was still registered full. This is a great way to save money since Gramin Forerunner 10 can not be purchased new anymore and Garmin doesnt replace battery, the just charge $80 and will send you a refurbished watch in place of your old watch, no matter the defect. So I saved $50 thanks to this website! The hardest part was finding a T5 screwdrive (so I bought a set at home depot for $10)......so actually this website only saved me $40, still a win!

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Igor Prieto

7/20/2017 11:35:48 am

Hello dears. I suggest the RJD2032C1. This is a perfect replacement for PD2032C1. From mouser.com web page from USD 8.59°°
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Cornell-Dubilier/RJD2032C1/?qs=NaORKMxqSkw1bfEAdP1P5Q%3d%3d

Kind regards for everybody !

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Lawrence Smith

8/1/2017 08:48:17 am

Thanks for the nice photos. One thing I would suggest is to use tweezers to remove and replace those tiny springs. Tape is not likely to hold them when you remove the metal frame. I tried ML2032 battery with no success. I couldn't get it to hold a charge, and, even though there was some power in the battery when I received it (tongue test), it would not power-up my Forerunner 10. I've ordered an LIR2032. In the mean time, my watch is working fine with the original battery, but only for short runs.

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Lawrence Smith

8/5/2017 04:53:34 am

I wrote too quickly. Since replacing my Garmin battery, none of the function buttons work! It charges, finds time by GPS, but buttons don't work. Springs are in place. Any clue?

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Lawrence Smith

8/9/2017 05:14:40 am

Success! I don't know why buttons wouldn't work, but after reassembling my Garmin a couple of times, everything is fine. I will note that one of the things I did was to throw out all tape around the battery. It's only there to aid in assembly and has no function otherwise. So, my advice is to 1. use tweezers to take out the small springs and set them in a container, 2. remove all tape. Thanks!

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